The Population Data Science Summer Internship Programme has once again offered its interns a unique opportunity to see how data and research can directly inform policymaking in Wales, marking its second highly successful visit to the Senedd and Welsh Government.
Organised in collaboration with ADR Wales, the visit provided this year’s cohort of 20 interns with an insider’s view into how policy decisions are made in Wales, the structure of Senedd Cymru, Welsh Parliament and the integral role that data and research play in shaping public services.
Hosted in Cardiff Bay, the interns toured the Senedd building, gaining valuable insights into the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Welsh Parliament. They were then welcomed to Welsh Government offices in Cathays Park, where they met with civil servants from a range of departments to learn how data-driven research, like the projects they are currently contributing to, can influence policy at the highest levels.
The experience had a powerful impact on the interns, many of whom are already exploring future careers that combine data and public service.
Lewys Edwards, working on the ADR Wales Skills and Employability project, added: “I found the day to be a very enjoyable experience. The tour of the Senedd provided me with a greater understanding of the efforts that are made to govern Wales in a transparent and efficient way. Meeting with the Welsh Government team has opened my eyes to the number of possible avenues for working in such an organisation. It was great to hear the experiences of those involved and the diversity of their working backgrounds, it’s given me confidence in potentially applying for a role there in the future.”
Samyuktha Babuganesh, working on ADR Wales’ Housing and Homelessness project, said: “It was an exciting experience, as it’s not every day that you get to step inside these buildings and interact with, and learn directly from the people who work there. One of the most interesting parts of the visit was learning about how organisations such as ADR Wales help shape policy and collaborate with academia. It gave me a better understanding of the bigger picture and how different sectors come together to drive change. It was inspiring to see how that work is making a real impact on policy and people’s lives. It’s a day I will always cherish, made even more special by the fact that I got to experience it with my fellow interns.”
Faye Gracey, ADR Wales’s Head of Data Acquisition and Linking for Research within Welsh Government, commented: “We are increasingly relying on data scientists and evidence-based research to guide our work in government. It was a pleasure to engage with this year’s interns and to help them see how their skills are needed and valued in shaping the future of Wales.”
Professor Ashley Akbari, Programme Director, added: “We’re proud to offer our interns real-world experiences that connect data science with public and service impact. This second visit to the Senedd continues our mission of preparing interns to be contributors to evidence-led policymaking. These experiences show them how they can influence change with their work, and we’re thrilled to see how inspired they’ve been.”
Based at Swansea University’s Data Science Building, the 2025 Population Data Science Summer Internship Programme is hosting 20 students, providing them with the opportunity to work on high-impact research projects. This year’s interns were selected from over 1,100 applicants – a testament to the programme’s growing reputation for offering meaningful, hands-on data science training.